TSR Wiki > Careers > Graduate Employers Guides > MI5
Employer Information
- Application deadline: Year round
- Starting salaries: Various
- Regions: London
- Industries: Counter intelligence, National security
- Website: www.mi5careers.gov.uk
- Email: N/A
- Telephone: General recruitment enquiries: 0845 302 0999
- Address: PO Box 3255, London SW1P 1AE
What is MI5?
The Security Service, popularly known as MI5, is responsible for protecting the UK against threats to national security. Staff are dealing with highly classified, serious subject matter that is crucial to efforts to keep the nation safe from threats to national security, predominantly terrorism. Despite this, many of the roles are similar to those found in any large organisation.
What roles are available at MI5?
There is a vast number of roles within MI5, ranging from Data analyst to Network and computer specialists.
MI5 has many of the same requirements of that for any large organisation. These can include; Administrative Assistants, Building Services staff, Grounds Maintenance, Security Guards, Computer and Network Specialists and IT technicians.
MI5 also requires Operational Intelligence officers. These may include roles in surveillance, data analysing and translation.
Application process for MI5.
All applications must be completed via the website.
Entry requirements and type of person suited for MI5.
For many roles, they are not looking for any particular background. MI5 recruit people based on the skills, competencies and personal qualities that are needed. You will need to provide evidence of them, rather than any specific qualifications or experience.
An important part of our organisational culture is teamwork. Staff at all levels and across all areas make important contributions to protecting the country. Therefore staff are expected to meet the highest standards of personal integrity and honesty.
All staff must accept a contractual obligation to serve anywhere in the UK, or overseas if necessary, although in practice most spend their entire careers in London.
Future prospects and training at MI5.
On joining, staff enter a structured induction programme provided by the Service's Academy. This programme is geared to the work they are to undertake. Beyond this, staff are actively encouraged to take advantage of the wide range of further development opportunities available. These include: Formal training courses (both internal and external); One-to-one mentoring; Management development programmes; Language training facilities; Open learning facilities and further education opportunities; Development days (activity or study away from the workplace which enhances a staff member’s ability to do his or her job).
Promotion is based on merit, and in accordance with business needs, taking account of your performance, skills, abilities and potential to work effectively at the higher grade. The time it takes to move up to a higher grade will vary and there is no guaranteed timescale for promotion.
Other comments about MI5.
All staff are welcome to use all onsite facilities that include a subsidised restaurant, coffee bar, squash courts and gym. Other benefits include a generous pension scheme, generous maternity and paternity leave, training and development opportunities, 25 days’ annual leave entitlement (plus 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays), interest-free season ticket loans and performance-related annual salary increases.
Experiences
If you have applied to MI5, we would like you to hear from you. Please use the following form to detail your experiences of application, to aid those interested in following a similar career path.
Position applied for:
Year of Application:
Region:
Educational Background:
What were your experiences of the application process?
What is it like working for MI5?
How has it compared to your expectations?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Finally, any advice you would give to potential applicants?
